Monday, December 30, 2013

Tough Week

This week has been tough but with much personal rewarding feelings. More than ever I love the Savior and his role in all of our lives. Me and my companion have been struggling physically. She is cold and then got sick, then I got sick then better then she is sick again right now.

I am becoming a lot more familiar with the area and the people. It is difficult to remember/ hear the names of the people so I have to work twice as hard. I understand the words in Spanish A LOT more this week but I can't yet put them together in my head to make sense. The time will come though I need to have patience.

Like clockwork ever Saturday Morning I feel the uncontrollable urge to cry A LOT. I think it scares my companion but she says every night of her first month she cried and shes amazing so I am very optimistic.

I love the people here very much but we are experience some very normal frustrations. We only have one investigator and were not able to make contact with her this week. We have been visiting more and more less actives of which their are a lot even on our very street. I am going to try and keep up this week and figure out what people are saying but otherwise we just need to keep working and sharing the love and blessings of the Gospel.

I am so grateful to be a missionary.
- Hna. Mleynek

Sister Mleynek and her cousin Anthony Peterson



Christmas

Christmas

Monday, December 23, 2013

First Week in Mexico

I'm sure you are all very excited to hear how my time in Mexico is going and I´d love to tell you. It is amazing to be a missionary. The work is even more busy and taxing than I was expecting. I am a person very prone to anxiety and my companion has been the perfect person. I know God loves me because he gave me the angel Sister Cebreros. She is the best missionary I believe in Mexico. Together we are doing a lot of Good.

Everyday this week we have met with Rafa who was my first baptism and I was walking on clouds. He is going to be an excellent member of the church.

I am learning a lot and adjusting well. I feel very at home with the people of Mexico. They will always be near and dear in my heart. There are still some interesting difference that I am getting used to. Everyone kisses on the cheeks here women only for missionaries. In the street you can´t look at or talk to men...which is weird for me because I am a very smiley and bubbly person. Also there are some scary stuff here, and the "sidewalks" are so bad here that if you look away for a second you´ll break something...I have tripped a couple of times but nothing too bad.

I swear my idea of work keeps changing everyday. Iy iy iy this is a wonderful calling!
IMPORTANT NOTE I can´t print out e-mails so it would be GREAT if y'all could send emails AND a letter through DEARELDER.com it is a great site...they print the letters for you and all is well <3 I don´t know how to use this keyboard.

Okay so my challenge this week = overcoming negative thoughts about myself and trying to be patient as I am learning how to be a missionary and speak Spanish

My Success for the Week= turning on the gas water heater...jk and last night were visiting a MA menos Activo and I shared a scripture I don´t know why and then I explained it and everyone in the room was crying and honestly I was astonished I had no idea what I said and then the member with us told the woman I had only been there 4 days and that I was an expert at spanish.

Okay I have to go now much work to be done love you all

Love,
Hna Mleynek


Friday, December 20, 2013

Last Week at the MTC

This week is an exciting one because it is my last week at the MTC. I am feeling a whirl wind of emotions but mostly I am just excited. I am the kind of person who likes to take life head on and just go for it. I learned in mission prep that missionaries are fearless. At the MTC I also learned that missionaries need to be themselves but just at a higher level because we bear the name of Jesus of Christ. I have learned that missionary work is all about love which is great news for me, because if I can't figure out anything else I can do that. After a 40 minute lesson with little preparation and much success from the spirit my companion started crying saying and told me she has never felt love for another through the spirit before  it was a special experience for her.

This week has been a test of faith, but I know the Lord knows what he is doing and that it is all a part of the plan. The little struggles and the big ones are for the good of others. The Lord is preparing us all for our work. I keep thinking about that Movie, "Ephraim's Rescue" It was all about how the Lord had a work for Ephraim and as he tried to do good, the Lord worked many miracles through him. A mission is the hardest thing I've ever had to do but I take great comfort in the fact that I chose to serve the Lord. And the Lord Chose me for a specific work. I know with Him I can do it, I can do anything and so can you....We just need to trust him.  I received a priesthood blessing and I know this was direct revelation to me from God to uplift and tell me exactly what I needed to hear. I know he loves and wants to bless all his children.

Feliz Navidad  hasta luago Ustados Unidos. Hola Mexico.
Mucho Amor,
Hernmana Mleynek.

P.S. Los Sientos No intiendo como escribir en espenol, solo hablo un poco.
Yo se que Jesucristo es mi Salvador, y es central en el plan de Dios por felizidad y paz. Yo se que Padre Celestial ama sus hijos y quere que nosotrous regresar a Cielo con El. Yo se que mi proposito es invitar a las personas a vinir a Cristo al ayudarles reciban El Evangelio resturado mediante la fe en Jesucristo y su expiacion, el errepentiemiento, el bautismo, la reception del don del espiritu santo, y el perserverar hasta el fin. Yo se que el evangelio de Jesucristo es camino por feliz por que Nosotrous necesitamos Sus eejemplo perfecto y expiacion marvioso. Jesucristo muerte y vivir por mi que Puedo vivo otra vez. Tango much amor por Jesuscristo. En el nombre de Jesucristo. Amen.

Last Tuesday night Devotional;
Sang "The First Noel" in the MTC Choir;
Speaker: Quentin L. Cook - it was amazing!



Arrived Safely

First of all my sincere apologies for this super late notice of your missionaries arrival. Your girls made it here safely Tuesday (Dec. 18, 2013) morning 10:00 after a long long night of travel. They were sincerely troopers as they endured the mission transfers (cambios) (pictures will post tomorrow on the blog of them and their new companions) and then training with their new trainers and then off they went ready to drop from sheer exhaustion to their new areas. We have seen each of them on Wed, Thurs, or Friday at the Holiday devotionals and they looked no worse for the wear and are adjusting beautifully in the four short days in the mission. President paired them up with great trainers and we hope they learn to love the country, the culture, and the people of Mexico in the next 12 weeks while they train. We are grateful for their sweet spirits and willingness to serve the Lord. Enclosed is the picture of the new arrivals after training… keep in mind they hadn't slept really or showered for over 24 hrs. They are marvelous!!

Love to you and wishing you a Happy Holiday from all of us in Mexico….

Hermana Egbert


Thursday, December 12, 2013

Spiritual Gifts

Okay so I thought writing letters to the family would be a breeze but so far I have been struggling. Thank you for your patience with me, feel free to post of share my letters with anyone who might be interested I don't even have a lot of e-mails of family members. Gracias.

Dear familia,
Gracias por sus oraciones. I am doing very well. The days go by quick and every day I get more and more excited to get to Mexico. I have the most amazing Branch President. Without fail every time I hear him speak everyone in the Room gets out a notebook and paper to write down his amazing spiritual and scriptural guidance.

Yesterday my district and zone were have some what we call three three problems....not really problems but just focusing issues. This was discouraging but at times when I would read the scriptures or prepare my lessons I would feel the whispering of the spirit that  would sustain me through the day. I must testify of the reality of this. As I become absorbed in the Fathers will my words, thoughts and action are directly guided. I am beginning to see how subtly the spirit works in my life.

I love the word Humble, it means to me that I am intently aware of my reliance on God, and paired with love and faith in my God brings me to miraculous growth and experiences in my life. I tend to be a person caught up in the details, I like the analyze but the spirit is my most important tool. As a missionary I strive to get out of the way and let the spirit teach. These are the most amazing lessons when this happens.

This week I have been able to see two amazing spiritual gifts work in my life.
1. The power of discernment- To be able to discern or distinguish what each and ever person I come in contact needs and feelings...not that I really know but I can receive a feeling that prompts me to ask an inspired question- Then IF I listen to the investigator and the spirit I can understand what to teach. It is a dance of faith and beautiful thing to be a part of. I know more than ever, that this is not my Work, this is the Lord's work and I am laboring in His vineyard WITH him. Without the spirit I cannot teach.
2. The gift of tongues- I have been able to communicate and teach in Spanish the entire time I have been here at the MTC and have improved A LOT! This is absolutely amazing to me and I know this would not be possible without this gift, that I ask for and work for daily. I am feeling more confident.

My district is my family and my companion...kind of like a spouse Hehe :D or a best friend. I am so grateful for the light of Christ that is within us all. I can feel and sense the spirits of those around me and I only feel desire to help them. I am sad for the suffering of those who do not have the gospel and know the Lord is knocking in their life. I may not relate to the struggles some have but I can connect on a spiritual level. I have to say not bragging or anything I am not perfect and others have strengths I learn from, but I have to be the most focused missionary in our district. I am on the Lords time, I know it, I live it, I love it. I give thanks in mighty prayer every night for the Lords patience and the life that I am given.

My family has been a great support and comfort to me on my mission as well as my whole life. I am so grateful for the Mleyneks, the Richards, The Christiansons, the Andersons, and the Leglers (including Gabittas...sorry I can't spell that). I know the family is ordained of God and being in the temple strengthens me in ways I can't even understand.

I had a wonderful MTC Thanksgiving the whole day was absolutely amazing. My day began by listening to an apostole of the Lord, Russell M Nelson. It never matters which apostole it is the HG burns my heart everytime I am in one of their presence.

I wish I could write more, but probably everyone is getting board of me :D
I love you all and am so grateful for the wise council I have receive from you, your prayers and the priesthood. These are the best 18 months and I plan to keep it going forever and ever. Happy Holidays, 10 Days till Mexico!!! I can count that On my fingers! Ahh!

Love,
Hermana Mleyenk

P.S. I do not like the snow, I almost fall over all the time

Me and Hna. Daines (mi compenera) in the snow we play in it 

Me sitting in the room where I practice teaching my
 investigators...I am so happy there.



Sunday, December 1, 2013

Testimony

My hunger for the scriptures has increased so much. Going along with the food analogy: everyday I am starving for the scriptures and I scarf as much as I can down. I know the Lord is trying to prepare me. As l am willing and obedient I know I can do all things. This mission is not about me.

I want everyone who read this to know that I know this church is Christ's church. I know that God is our Father in Heaven. I know that he loves me and I know that he loves you. He has prepared the way for us even before the foundation of this world. God is there in everything - we just need to look. I am finally waking up and I see live so differently now. I have been able to do the impossible. There is now such thing as coincidences. The Lord guides us to happiness and always wants what's best for us. We are His family and He wants to be close always. With this knowledge I will skip happily to Mexico to save our Eternal Family, my brothers and sisters.

Her motto for the week: Look at life through the lens of the scriptures - "I invite you all to ponder this."


Thanksgiving Temple walk




Elder Russon's Birthday we got him cupcakes from Brigham's Landing on P'day





Sunday, November 17, 2013

First Letter Home




MTC

Hola Hermana! I'm at the MTC. I got to the airport about 20 other missionaries showed up and sat with me. Three other sisters. I had to carry all of my luggage off the conveyor belt and to the car and then peeps at the MTC helped me lots. There are so many cool people here. I am in a district that is awesome - 4 elders and 4 sisters. All four of the sisters Hermana Sharmckle, DeFranco e mi companion Daines are going to Pachuca! We are the first sisters to arrive from North America. All the sisters are from Mexico.

I love it here every second is busy. I have never been so busy but I am not stressed. I am trying my hardest with Spanish. We are teaching our first Spanish investigator soon. I love you, Te ammo. I am so happy to be on my mission! I don't have our sisters e-mails. Can you send them to me? Send me an e-mail :D I don't care how long.

My companion is crazy she spent the enitre P Day (that's today Friday every week) writing super long letters to every member of her family including about 7 hand written cards. My bishop told me not to worry if I couldn't keep in touch too much and honestly I'm so exhausted I've only written a couple of lines in my journal. Ah! I'll try harder. The spirit is so strong and is helping me do the impossible. I'm grateful for you in my life.
Love,
Hermana Mleynek

P.S. Today I helped someone carry their milk to their car. I lost my missionary badge I have a spare though. I ate a caramel apple some sisters left at our house the first night. Went to the temple. Missionaries get to rent clothes for free and they have cinnamon rolls in the cafeteria bigger then my head for 75 cents. It is so great to have a companion. I see the benefits of being with and accountable to a for another person.

MTC Companion - Hermana Daines



Friday, November 8, 2013

November 6 - Airport

Shelby left Arizona for the MTC early in the morning on November, 6, 2013. She was accompanied by her sisters - Chelsea, Sidney and Brittany, her mom, and Sam.

From Shelby:
"At the airport there were 15 or so missionaries 4 going to Mexico that I met. The tiny Delta plain was 1/4 missionaries. Arriving in Utah we came down the escalators to baggage claim and there were swarms of people with welcome home signs! Behind us their was 10 + missionaries coming home. They had a tired glow about them. I could tell they did well. They were ready to tackle life. Missionaries are fearless! :D"




Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Farewell

Shelby's farewell will be Sunday, October 13th, at 9:00 a.m. at 1720 S. Ironwood Dr., Apache Junction, AZ 85117

Shelby's Missionary "Prep-Her" Party

Shelby will be leaving for the Provo MTC on November 6, 2013. We are having a "Prep-Her" party on October 12, 2013 from 6:30-8:30 to help with things she will need while serving her mission. (click here to see invitation)

She is registered at myregistry.com


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Call Opening Pictures

Here are some pictures from Shelby's mission call opening. Thanks to Aunt Bethany and Aunt April for sharing.










Sunday, July 7, 2013

The Call

Shelby received her call on July 5, 2013, but was out of town at a family wedding so she didn't open it until July 6, 2013. Family and friends gathered at her Aunt Gena's house to watch her open it. Other family members witnessed the opening using Skype. Thank goodness for technology that allowed so many people to participate.

Finally the moment that we had been waiting for arrived and Shelby opened her call. She read the heading at the top of the letter, including the address of the church, which brought a few laughs from those watching. She began reading the call and as soon as we heard Mexico, everyone began cheering and we didn't hear the actual place at first. As she read through the letter, many tears started to fall as she embraced the spirit of the call. Shelby finished and then someone asked where in Mexico. Her call is to the Mexico Pachuca Mission. The mission is one of the new missions announced by the church earlier this year, in fact it the mission just opened at the end of June.

Pachuca is the capital city of the state of Hildago, Mexico
Mexico Pachuca Mission boundries